Apology for disturbing gravesite

I am sorry I was disrespectful to the Native American community for disturbing ancient artifacts and aiding and abetting the hike that disturbed the bones and skull from a Native American gravesite.

I have paid a fine and served time in prison. I could have been fined up to $10,000 and spent a year in prison.

I did not understand the feelings of the Native American community toward a gravesite. They believe that the spirit of the deceased stays with the bones or site until it is reassigned, as I understand their beliefs. This was a new revelation to me.

Harry Hance

Mancos

Editor's note: Hance was sentenced last year to three days in jail for organizing a hike on Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in which Howard H. Drake of Silverton picked up a skull to show it to a group of hikers. Drake was sentenced to 10 days in jail.